Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

MSc Urban Planning

Overview

The MSc Urban Planning programme, offered by the Department of Urban Planning and Design at XJTLU, provides you with an international grounding in urban planning that is centred on the theme of urban regeneration.

China is experiencing unprecedented urbanisation in terms of the speed and nature of growth. One of the key issues for future practitioners will be how to deal with the challenge of reusing, transforming and regenerating the existing urban fabrics of China’s megacities in order to achieve a more sustainable model of urbanisation.

The programme suits students from a range of different backgrounds and it is not limited to those who have undertaken an urban planning undergraduate degree. One of the aims of the programme is to offer a multidisciplinary perspective on the issue of urban regeneration. Staff teaching on the programme offer varying expertise from a range of disciplines including urban planning and design, project management, policy design and geography. In addition, staff offer a variety of international perspectives including those anchored in Western European, East Asian and North American theoretical debates.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Why Should I Study Urban Planning at XJLTU?

The regeneration of existing urban areas will lead China's urbanisation process in the years to come. The MSc Urban Planning programme is particularly designed to help future planners comprehensively tackle urban regeneration problems in diverse contexts. The city of Suzhou, which blends history and modernity, is an ideal place to explore Chinese contemporary cities and planning practices.

Knowledge and skills

Throughout this programme, you will be introduced to theories and techniques that will allow you to approach urban planning in a critical, communicative and people-oriented way. Students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary urban problems and possible planning responses, as well as a mastery of the techniques and procedural skills necessary for effective work in the planning profession.

Modules

Core modules:

Theory and practice of urban regeneration

Governance and finance of urban regeneration

Politics, society, and participation

Place-making and urban design

Spatial analysis and evaluation

Sustainable urban planning strategies

Heritage, historic districts, and conservation

Fundamentals of project management

Dissertation

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester.

Careers

The MSc Urban Planning programme provides a solid basis for a range of careers across the world. These include but are not limited to urban planning, policy development, urban design, property development, working with community groups as an advocate to give them a voice in built environment decision-making processes, working with local and central government and working with non-governmental organisations.

Academic Background

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)

TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our five- or eight-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the five- or eight-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.